If you are new to this island, one of the challenges you would face is finding a good place to stay. Especially if there are a lot of good choices out there. But when in Palawan, Philippines, we have collated and listed down the 6 Best Hostels in El Nido that we could find.
Breathtaking views of nature are usually the main reason one visits El Nido. It is surrounded by bright blue clear waters, clusters of rock formations, limestone cliffs, beautiful islands, and stunning islets. The breathtaking seascapes in the area are what El Nido is known for. It is located at the tip of Palawan Island, the Philippines where it becomes a tourist hit during long holidays usually the holy week. You can choose to get there by air as they have their own airport or via land travel where you can ride private vans or take the local bus or jeep commute.
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If you are planning to go backpacking at El Nido, this review will provide you with information on the hostels available that we would recommend – the prices, locations, and user reviews. It will be all that you need to know to make that very important decision when traveling to El Nido.
Outpost Beach Hostel
Starts at ($14) for 12 bed-dorm
**prices are shown for weekdays in Mid-season (September)
Outpost is located in the southern sector of Corong-Corong Beach (the sunset beach). The sunsets from this property are one of the best on the whole island. It is situated along Bacuit Bay where the most explored islands and lagoons are. Their location is relatively isolated and in a more serene environment compared to El Nido town proper.
This beachfront hostel is just 2 km from the Mangrove Ecopark and the popular forest-backed Corong Corong Beach. It is just 3 km away from the El Nido ferry terminal.
Their rooms are very straightforward, comfortable, relaxing, and clean. They have mixed-gender dorms that include bunk beds and lockers that are perfect for backpackers; bathrooms are shared. Private rooms with en suite facilities are also available.
Their amenities include a relaxed bar and a trendy restaurant with terrace dining with a kickass 180-degree view, along with communal living spaces. They have a very beautiful lounge with a PS3 and Nintendo 64 for entertainment. WiFi on the island is not very good but they have a connection in the common areas only. They also offer island hopping tours and land tours to their guests.
Spin Designer Hostel
HostelWorld (*9.1) Booking.com (*9.1)
Map Starts at ($21) for 4 bed-dorm
**prices are shown for weekdays in Mid-season (September)
Spin Designer Hostel is a relaxed hostel just 5 km from El Nido Airport, and just about a 4-minute walk from the town’s beach, dive center, and restaurants. The hotel is designed by travelers, for travelers. Their handsomely designed facilities and well-thought of spaces is what this place is known for. It is comfortably located amid tropical gardens on the outskirts of town.
The hostel has mixed-gender and female-only dorms available that has bunk beds and comes with shared bathrooms and lockers. Private rooms add en suite facilities are also available. Linens and towels are provided with the accommodation chosen, and Wi-Fi access is available.
Included in their accommodation package is a complimentary continental breakfast and evening hot drinks. For those who like to chill out, they have a rooftop deck hosting regular BBQs event and live music sessions. Other amenities include a shared kitchen, a garden, and communal lounge areas. If you need to get your clothes washed, they have a laundry service available for their guests with a fee. An airport shuttle is also readily available, also with a fee.
Mad Monkey Hostel Nacpan Beach
HostelWorld (*8.8) Booking.com (*8.2)
Map Starts at ($12) for 12 bed-dorm
**prices are shown for weekdays in Mid-season (September)
Mad Monkey Hostel Nacpan is your perfect beach (party) escape destination. They are located 40 minutes north of El Nido Town. A little far but the unspoiled places are usually those that couldn’t be easily reached. This beachfront hostel boasts of their very own tour service, a restaurant, and a bar that plays music until late at night. Perfect for travelers that like seclusion and partying at the same time.
Mad Monkey Hostel has a couple of accommodations, their mixed dorms are fan rooms only but are fitted with bamboo beds with comfortable mattresses, free linen, and mosquito nets.
They also have basic tents fit for adventurers and for those who prefer more space and privacy you can stay in their glamping tents – a little glamorous than the basic ones having 2 king single mattresses and a fan. For those who want a more private setup, they also have loft rooms with epic views. All their rooms are with shared bathrooms and come with towels and linen.
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Our Melting Pot
HostelWorld (*8.1) Booking.com (*7.7)
Map Starts at ($11) for 9 bed-dorm
**prices are shown for weekdays in Mid-season (September)
This is the perfect place to meet some other travelers & backpackers in El Nido. Melting Pot was designed rustic and chill for those who want to just unplug from technology and experience nature at its best, mingle and socialize with fellow backpackers.
They have 2 types of accommodations – private and dormitory type. The accommodations include free breakfast in the morning, linens, hot showers, standby emergency power source, personalized travel assistance in their island hopping and in-land tours from their friendly staff who is manning their reception 24/7. The staff is very accommodating and helpful with tips and information to make your trip within your budget. Limited lockers are also available at the if you need to store your valuable stuff.
Melting Pot has limited Internet connectivity and has rationed electricity. Which is a perfect place and time to socialize and get to grow your like-minded circle. The hotel offers various recreational opportunities.
Frendz Hostel
HostelWorld (*9.4) Booking.com (*9.2)
Map Starts at ($19) for 6 bed-dorm
**prices are shown for weekdays in Mid-season (September)
Frendz Hostel is known for its large, clean, and comfortable rooms. With an option to choose both a convenient private or shared rooms which are all air-conditioned with ensuite bathrooms and free wifi. You can surely find a bed for every budget. They are located right in the center of El Nido town in a prime location.
The hostel is also a great spot to mingle and meet new people. You can also enjoy a different kind of journey with the food and drink specials from their awesome in-house restaurant partner, Kitchen & Bar HUB. They offer selected food and drinks from all around the world as well as Filipino specialties which make their place so special as you also take your tastebuds on a unique journey.
Frendz also has a day tour available if needed. A chance to meet new people or a perfect time to simply explore the surrounding of El Nido.
Big Paul Hostel
HostelWorld (*9.0) Booking.com (*8.1)
Map Starts at ($15) for 8 bed-dorm
**prices are shown for weekdays in Mid-season (September)
Big Paul Hostel is known to be value for your money. The property is set 1.8 km from Paradise Beach, 1.9 km from Seven Commandos Beach and 1.9 km from Papaya Beach. Their friendly and accommodating staff will welcome you with love and Filipino hospitality and if you need tips and guidance for your journey – they will surely and happily assist you to have an unforgettable tour experience.
The hostel provides a bar, non-smoking rooms, air-conditioned with free WiFi and a shared lounge. They boast to have NO power shortage (which is what most hotels around the area experiences) – they can assure a 24-hour energy guarantee.
At Big Paul Hostel, they provide free basic breakfast which consists of bread, jam, butter, coffee & tea, and fresh fruits.
Popular tourist spots that are near the accommodation include Small Lagoon El Nido, Matinloc Shrine and Corong Corong Beach.
A great place to stay because of its value, location, and a great vibe.
El Nido is an amazing place you shouldn’t miss visiting. It has countless beautiful and breathtaking destinations and experiences you should try. Places that would surely wow you.
Aside from the awesome tourist locations and fun activities within the island, you should go and experience seeing their wildlife. Their ecosystem allows you to see 5 species of marine turtles, 114 species of birds, 447 species of corals and 888 species of fish. Sometimes, you will be able to see whales and dolphins.
The place was featured in National Geographic December of 2007 as one of the best destinations in the world.
Palawan is surrounded by lovely white sandy beaches that make you fall in love with the place. Like any other island, this paradise you can explore visit by boat. Also around the area, you can choose to snorkel, sup, dive or hop on the kayak.
All types of tourist, travelers, and backpackers are welcome even if you are on a budget. Hostel rates can be as little as 10 USD or go glam and choose hostels more than 1,000 USD per night – they’ve got it too.